It’s incredible to me how people have moved on from this. It still stands as a reminder of the worst tragedy in London’s modern history and it feels like it has been totally swept under the rug
Brings to mind that statement of Ibn Al-Qayyim wherein he says,
"ما أغلق الله على عبدٍ بابًا بحكمته، إلَّا فتح له بابين برحمته "
“Allah does not close a door on a slave out of His wisdom except that He opens for him two doors out of His mercy.”
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the USA ahead of the World Cup, has now been appointed by UEFA to officiate PSG vs. Aston Villa in the Super Cup final.
He has shown tremendous grace throughout this but my heart breaks for him. He was born in the midst of war and rose to the top of his field despite every possible disadvantage. Only to have the biggest moment of his career become a humiliating ordeal!
So far at the 2026 FIFA Epstein Cup before a ball kicked:
- Senegal & Uzbekistan squads treated like criminals upon arrival given full cavity searches;
- Africa’s best referee sent back to Somalia despite having a diplomatic passport;
- Iraq team photographer sent back despite valid visa;
- AIPS (international sport journalist association) calling on FIFA to sort out unacceptable visa issues of African & Iranian journalists;
- 90% of Moroccan fans with tickets denied entry
- 14 members of Iran backroom staff denied visas
Not a word from Gianni ”today I feel black/gay/disabled etc” Infantino.
What an absolute disgrace. A FIFA-certified referee being denied entry to the United States purely because he is Somali.
The World Cup is meant to bring people together. This is racism, plain and simple. Shameful.
https://t.co/rpSgTmmPU4